Affiliations: [a] Haclalit Medical Center, and Department of Physiotherapy, The Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Jaffa, Israel | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, New York University, New York, NY, USA | [c] Spinal Research Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, The Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Jaffa, Israel
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Youssef Masharawi, The Spinal Research Laboratory, Department of Physiotherapy, The Stanley Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, POB 39040, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv Jaffa, 69978, Israel. Tel.: +972 3 6405428; mobile: +972 507288737; Fax: +972 3 6409223; E-mail:yossefm@post.tau.ac.il
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exercise is considered the first line of treatment for
people with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) but the ideal
exercise type is currently unclear. Given the unique
anatomical structure of the lower lumbar spine and the lumbosacral junction
transverse-plane rotation exercises may be helpful for people suffering from
pain in this region. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine the effect of spinal
rotation exercises delivered in a group format on range of motion, pain
level and function parameters in women with NSCLBP. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled single-blinded
study. Thirty-five women with NSCLBP, participated in either a
bi-weekly rotation exercise classes (n= 20) or a `wait-list' control group
(n = 15). The exercises aimed at improving lumbar mobility in the transverse
plane. Pain rated on a Visual Analog Scale, back specific disability
(Rolland Morris questionnaire), and lumbar range of motion (flexion,
extension and left and right rotation) were taken prior to intervention,
immediately following 4 weeks of intervention and 8 weeks later. RESULTS: There were no significant differences for either group
(p> 0.05) on all dependent variables at all times of measurements. CONCLUSIONS: A specific group program of rotation exercises had no
effect on the functional status, pain level and lumbar range of motion in
women with NSCLBP.
Keywords: Low back pain, rotation exercises, group exercise, Rolland Morris, visual analog scale, lumbar rotation
